Gardner, 27, is described as a white male, 5 feet, 6 inches, weighing 155 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He was committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on May 9, 2013, from Los Angeles County for assault with a firearm.

Gardner was assigned to an inmate firefighting crew from Intermountain Conservation Camp located outside of Bieber, Calif.

He was last seen at a grade project in Mount Shasta at approximately 4:30 p.m.

There have been two unconfirmed sightings of Gardner, according to CDCR Lieutenant Charles Gilmore.

As a precautionary measure, Mount Shasta schools were in “shelter in place” mode on Thursday, according to Mount Shasta High School staff member Debbie Moser. “The kids are in classrooms with the doors locked,” she said.

Moser said the kids are free to come and go – everyone is simply staying very alert.

CDCR, CAL FIRE, law enforcement personnel, along with local law enforcement agencies, and the California Highway Patrol were notified and are assisting in the search for Gardner.

Gardner was last seen wearing all orange, state-issued clothing but could be wearing gray sweats. Anyone with information should call (530) 257-2181, ext. 4173.